Rains increase woes of Balasore flood hit

Balasore, Aug 13 (Odisha.in) Torrential rains, triggered by a fresh low pressure over the Bay of Bengal, lashed the district since last three days, multiplying the flood-hit people’s woes of Orissa’s Balasore district.

While two rivers – Jalaka and Kansabansa were flowing above danger mark on Monday, flood waters inundated more than a hundred villages in Soro, Simulia, Basta and Bhogarai blocks.

The district, which has three major rivers, has been battling flood conditions since July first week. The people of Basta witnessed fourth flood in this season on Monday with Jalaka river flowing over danger level.

With Jalaka river was flowing over danger level since Sunday evening and Kansabansa crossed the red mark this morning inundating at least 50 villages under Sajanpur, Kedarpur, Talanagar, Sabira and neighbouring gram panchayats of Soro, Simulia blocks.

According to the flood control room sources, Jalaka was flowing near 7.20 meter mark against its danger mark of 5.5 m at NH-60 while Kansabansa was flowing one meter above the danger mark at Sajanpur.

Two major rivers Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga, which were flowing below danger level in the evening and Subarnarekha is expected to cross the red mark, on Tuesday.

Sources said, panic has gripped in the river side villages of Basta, Baliapal, Jaleswar and Bhogarai blocks following the heavy showers. Floodwater of Subarnarekha has engrossed into more than 80 villages in Bhogarai block.

Similarly, five hillside villages of Khaira block have been affected by water inundation. “Due to heavy rain we are facing unbearable miseries as the rainwater from Debagiri hill marooned our villages forcing us to take shelter on high places,” told a villager.

Meanwhile, the residents of river-side villages of flood-prone Basta, Baliapal, Jaleswar and Bhogarai blocks have been put on alert for any worst conditions.

“We have alerted more than 30 villages located along Jalaka river of Basta block and dry food materials have been stocked at the block head quarter. If the rain continues, these villages will be affected first.

In other areas blocked rainwater has worsen the condition of residents,” told Balasore Collector A C Padhiary. “We are closely monitoring the situation and ready for any eventuality,” the collector added.

Meanwhile, Metrological Department sources said that this low pressure has been weakened since Monday afternoon.